Vacation Home Rentals: Tips For First-Timers

Renting a vacation home can be a lot less expensive and much more fun than many people realize. (NAPS)

(NAPSI)—According to a survey by HomeAway®,
the world leader in vacation rentals, more than 90 percent of people say that
vacation is very important to them. Yet half of leisure travelers who wanted
to take a trip in 2017 did not, primarily because they didn't think they
could afford it.

Costs can add up quickly, especially for big families and other large
groups that book multiple hotel rooms. Savvy travelers are finding other ways
to stay, from rediscovering the great outdoors through camping to renting
cabins, beach houses and even boat houses. Vacation homes offer the gamut of
options that won't break the bank, while providing amenities that hotels and
other types of lodging often can't, from private pools to bikes in the
garage.

"The perception that renting a home is expensive is one of the top reasons
people don't do it," said Melanie Fish, travel expert for HomeAway,
referencing findings by Phocuswright, a leading
travel research firm. "However, renting a vacation home can often be more
affordable per person than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get more
space and privacy."

Phocuswright's research also revealed that only
one-third of Americans have stayed in a vacation rental. "There are still so
many people who haven't experienced all the joy and benefits of renting a
home for vacation, for many of whom it will become a habit, based on our
data," added Fish. She offers these tips for first-timers:

• From beach houses to cabins to condos, there are millions of homes to
choose from—start with a trusted site like VRBO.com
and take full advantage of the search filters to narrow results to
custom-tailor your experience.

• Each vacation home is unique, so find one that fits the needs of your
family. Fancy kitchen or BBQ grill? Big-screen TV or a pool? Bunk beds or a
crib? There's something for everyone.

• Get the best booking experience—look for listings with the Premier
Partner badge to ensure a quick response, competitive rates, great photos of
the listing and more.